Union Pacific announces layoffs at Hinkle rail yard in Hermiston

Union Pacific plans to lay off nearly 200 positions at its Hinkle rail yard in Hermiston.

According to a statement the railroad company released Tuesday, Union Pacific notified employees that as many as 195 jobs will be eliminated at the rail yard, mechanical locomotive shop and supply warehouse.

The company has worked to implement an improvement plan, including Precision Scheduled Railroading principles, which has reduced the need for personnel.

Some switching operations that took place at Hinkle Yard have been shifted to nearby yards in Portland,  Nampa and Pocatello, Idaho, Spokane, Washington, and Ogden, Utah.